Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Bloodgood is the classic deep-red Japanese maple, holding its dark burgundy-purple leaf color through summer better than most cultivars before turning crimson in fall. It is an elegant upright specimen tree.
- Light
- Part shade to full sun
- Water
- Weekly; consistent moisture, well-drained
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
'Bloodgood' is among the most popular and reliable purple-leaved cultivars of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), prized for its deep burgundy-red, palm-shaped foliage that resists fading in summer heat and turns brilliant scarlet in autumn. It forms a graceful, upright-rounded small tree.
Reaching about 15-20 ft tall and wide at maturity, it works as a specimen, accent or container tree. Its dark foliage, layered branching and good vigor have made it a benchmark red Japanese maple for over a century.
How to identify it
- Habit: Upright, rounded small tree, 15-20 ft, with graceful layered branching.
- Leaves: Deeply 5-7 lobed, palmate, 2-5 in, rich burgundy-purple in spring/summer, crimson in fall.
- Bark: Dark reddish-black young stems contrasting with the foliage.
- Flowers/Fruit: Small reddish-purple flowers in spring followed by red-winged samaras (helicopter seeds).
- Color hold: Retains dark red longer through summer than many red cultivars.
Care & growing
Light: Part shade to full sun; afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch in hot regions while enough sun keeps color rich.
Water: Keep evenly moist, about weekly; never let it dry out or sit waterlogged.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic, organic-rich soil.
Temperature: Hardy USDA zones 5-8.
Feeding: Light spring feeding; over-fertilizing weakens color and form. Mulch to keep roots cool.
Pruning/Propagation: Prune lightly in late winter to shape. Propagated by grafting.
Habitat & origin
The species Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea and parts of China, growing as an understory tree in moist mountain woodlands. 'Bloodgood' is a cultivated selection rather than a wild form.
It is grown worldwide as an ornamental in temperate gardens of zones 5-8, sheltered from harsh wind and intense afternoon sun.
Frequently asked questions
Will Bloodgood grow in full sun?
Yes in cooler climates, but in hot regions give it afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
How big does it get?
Typically about 15-20 ft tall and wide at maturity, slowly grown.
Why are the leaves turning green?
Too much shade can cause red foliage to green up; it needs adequate sunlight to keep its deep burgundy color.
When should I prune it?
Prune lightly in late winter while it is dormant to shape the tree and remove any crossing or damaged branches.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Bloodgood Japanese Maple.
